A comparison of outcomes between diabetic and nondiabetic CAPD patients in India

BACKGROUND: Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) has been an established modality of renal replacement therapy in India for a decade, but there is a paucity of published data on the outcome of CAPD patients in India. We analyzed our data to determine the overall predictors of survival and compared patient survival between diabetic and nondiabetic end-stage renal disease patients on CAPD. METHODS: Of 373 patients, 197 were diabetic (165 males, 32 females) and 176 nondiabetic (104 males, 72 females). Patients were followed for 22 +/- 14 patient-months. Patients were prospectively followed until the study end point or death. RESULTS: Overall median survival was 48 patient-months. Median survival of diabetics (34.5 patient-months) was significantly inferior to nondiabetic patients (59 patient-months) p = 0.001. Overall patient survival at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years was 90%, 72%, 60%, 49%, and 39%, respectively. Patient survival of diabetics versus nondiabetics at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years was 85% versus 96%, 62% vs 82%, 48% vs 72%, 39% vs 62%, and 34% vs 42%, respectively. The relative risk of mortality in nondiabetics (34/176) was less than that in diabetic patients (71/197): odds ratio (OR) 0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.26 - 0.68; p = 0.001. On Cox regression analysis, diabetes (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.23 - 3.07; p = 0.004), comorbidities (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.25 - 0.61; p = 0.001), peritonitis (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.19 - 2.68; p = 0.005), malnutrition (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.29 - 0.94; p = 0.03), and residual glomerular filtration rate at initiation of CAPD (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.81 - 0.93; p = 0.001) were significant predictors of overall mortality. Age (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.45 - 1.03; p = 0.07), gender (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.42 - 1.03; p = 0.06), and albumin level at initiation of CAPD (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.64 - 1.33; p = 0.68) were not predictors of mortality. Age (56 +/- 10 vs 46 +/- 15 years, p = 0.001), comorbidities (51/197 vs 16/176, p = 0.001), peritonitis rate (0.68 vs 0.50 episodes/patient-year, p = 0.056), and severe malnutrition (27/197 vs 10/176, p = 0.002) were higher in diabetic than in nondiabetic patients. CONCLUSION: In India the majority of CAPD patients are diabetic. Patient survival was inferior in diabetic compared to nondiabetic patients on CAPD, but survival was statistically similar after adjustment for comorbidities. Diabetes, comorbidities, residual glomerular filtration rate, peritonitis, and severe malnutrition are predictors of mortality in CAPD patients.     

Preprocedural C-reactive protein is not associated with angiographic restenosis or target lesion revascularization after coronary artery stent placement

BACKGROUND: We assessed the predictive value of preprocedural plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations and statin therapy on 6 months angiographic and 1-year clinical outcome after nonurgent coronary stent placement. METHODS AND RESULTS: Baseline plasma high-sensitivity CRP concentrations were prospectively measured in 345 patients undergoing elective stent placement in a native coronary artery. The binary angiographic in-stent restenosis (ISR; stenosis > or = 50% of vessel diameter) rate was 19% in patients with CRP values within the reference interval (< or = 3 mg/L) and 22% in patients with CRP >3 mg/L [odds ratio (OR) = 1.2; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.73-2.09]. Statin therapy in a univariate analysis significantly reduced both angiographic and clinical ISR rates. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified unstable angina, smoking, and stent length, but neither CRP concentration nor statin therapy as independent predictors for angiographic ISR. Patients with an abnormal CRP value showed a trend toward a higher risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction (3.8% vs 0.5%; OR = 7.43; 95% CI, 0.87-61.65). Target lesion revascularization rates did not differ between the two groups (9.6% vs 10.6%; OR = 1.13; 95% CI, 0.56-2.28). In multivariate analysis, male sex (OR = 0.44, 95% CI, 0.19-0.97) and statin therapy (OR = 0.26; 95% CI, 0.09-0.68) were independent predictors for the occurrence of target lesion revascularization. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a lack of association between preprocedural plasma CRP concentrations and angiographic coronary ISR or clinically driven target lesion revascularization. Patients with an abnormal CRP concentration showed a trend toward higher risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction during 1 year of follow-up. Statin therapy was independently associated with decreased clinically driven target lesion revascularization, underlining the beneficial effects of statins on clinical outcome.     

Red Cell Distribution Width Can Predict the Significance of Angiographically Intermediate Coronary Lesions

Objective

In the present study, the association between red cell distribution width (RDW) with functional significance of intermediate coronary artery lesions was investigated.

Materials and Methods

Two hundred and forty-six consecutive patients, 168 males and 78 females, who underwent fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurement for angiographically intermediate coronary stenosis (40-70% in quantitative coronary analysis) in the left anterior descending coronary artery were enrolled into the study. The functional significance of intermediate coronary artery lesions was determined by FFR measurement. An FFR value <0.75 was defined as functionally significant. Venous blood samples were taken within 48 h before the FFR measurement, and RDW levels were determined by a Coulter LH Series hematology analyzer. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between functional significance in FFR measurement and other variables.

Results

Of the 246 patients, 62 (25.2%) exhibited significant functional stenosis (FFR <0.75) in the FFR measurement. The mean RDW level was significantly higher in patients with significant stenosis (14.19 ± 0.73 vs. 13.69 ± 0.77, p < 0.001). In stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis, RDW (OR = 2.489, 95% CI = 1.631-3.799, p < 0.001) and male gender (OR = 2.826, 95% CI = 1.347-5.928, p = 0.006) were independent predictors of significant functional stenosis.

Conclusion

Increased RDW levels were associated with functional significance of angiographically intermediate coronary artery stenoses.Key Words: Coronary artery stenosis, Fractional flow reserve, Erythrocyte indices, Red cell distribution width     

Symptom predictors of acute coronary syndromes in younger and older patients

BACKGROUND: Symptoms, a key element in the patient's decision to seek care, are critical to appropriate triage, and influence decisions to pursue further evaluation and initiation of treatment. Although many studies have described symptoms associated with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), few, if any, have examined symptom predictors of ACS and whether they differ by patients' age. OBJECTIVES: To explore symptom predictors of ACS in younger (< 70 years) and older (> or = 70 years) patients. To test the hypothesis that typical symptoms are predictive of ACS in younger patients, but are less predictive in older patients. METHOD: Secondary analysis of observational data gathered on 531 patients presenting to the emergency department of a regional cardiac referral center in New England with symptoms suggestive of ACS. RESULTS: Bivariate analyses revealed no symptoms significantly (p < .01) associated with ACS in older patients. In younger patients presence of chest symptoms and the total number of typical symptoms reported were significantly (p < .01) associated with ACS. After adjustment for age and gender, typical symptoms that were positive predictors of ACS in younger patients included chest symptoms (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.32-4.27, p = .004) and arm pain (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.03-3.09, p = .040). Additionally, the total number of typical symptoms reported (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.31-2.15, p < .001) was a positive predictor of ACS in younger patients. The atypical symptom of fatigue (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.10-5.81, p = .029) was a significant positive predictor of ACS, whereas dizziness/faintness (OR .50, 95% CI .26-.91, p = .024) was a significant negative predictor of ACS in younger patients. Logistic regression analysis using the entire sample revealed an interaction between age and number of typical symptoms indicating that younger patients had a 36% greater odds for ACS for each additional typical symptom present compared with older patients (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.02-1.83, p = .038 for interaction between age and number of typical symptoms reported). The model with the interaction between age and chest symptoms revealed a borderline association (p = .10 for the interaction between age and chest symptoms), with younger patients being more likely than older patients to report chest symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Typical symptoms are predictive of ACS in younger patients and less predictive in older patients.     

The D allele of angiotensin I-converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion polymorphism is associated with the severity of atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND: Angiotensin II is produced primarily by angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) within atherosclerotic lesions and ACE level in plaques correlates with the severity of vessel wall damage. Therefore, we investigated the possible association of ACE gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism and the severity of atherosclerosis, estimated on the basis of the number of coronary stenoses and critical arterial occlusions observed during coronary angiography. METHODS: The study cohort included 172 patients with angiographically confirmed premature coronary artery disease. The ACE gene I/D polymorphism was genotyped using a PCR method. RESULTS: The frequencies of DD genotype, D allele carrier-state (DD+ID genotypes) and the D allele increased with the number of stenoses in coronary vessels. D allele carriers (DD+ID genotypes) were more frequent in the subgroup of patients with stenoses in at least four coronary vessels than in other patients including subjects with one-, two- and three-vessel disease (97.4% vs. 74.4%, OR=13.05, 95% CI: 1.81-100.00, chi2=9.84, p=0.0017). Furthermore, the D allele was significantly more frequent in patients with critical arterial occlusions (>90%) than in subjects without critical stenoses (61.1% vs. 49.3%, chi2=9.84, p=0.023). CONCLUSIONS: The ACE I/D polymorphism influences individual differences in severity of coronary artery disease and the D allele promotes generation of numerous and critical atherosclerotic lesions.     

V2V3导联碎裂QRS波对冠心病的预测价值

目的:探讨V2V3导联碎裂QRS对冠心病的预测价值。方法:回顾性分析680例患者冠脉造影的结果,并与冠脉造影前常规心电图检查结果进行对比分析,多因素Logistic回归分析影响冠心病和左前降支狭窄独立的预测因素。结果:640例患者中,Q(+)组74例(11.6%),Q(-)组566例(88.4%)。冠脉造影发现355例(55.5%)至少一支冠脉狭窄,其中Q(+)组58例(78.4%),Q(-)组297例(52.5%),Q(+)组冠脉狭窄发生率明显高于Q(-)组(P<0.001)。经多因素Logistic回归分析显示:QRS波起始有Q波(OR=2.454,95%CI1.061～5.681,P<0.001)、年龄>65岁(OR=1.109,95%CI1.086～1.133,P<0.001)和男性(OR=1.574,95%CI1.010～2.432,P<0.05)是冠心病和左前降支狭窄独立的预测因素。结论:V2或V3导联QRS波起始有Q波,伴或不伴Q波切迹对冠心病有独立预测价值,尤其对左前降支狭窄有预测价值。     

The Relationship between Coronary Collateral Circulation and Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients with Coronary Chronic Total Occlusion

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and coronary collateral circulation (CCC) in patients with coronary chronic total occlusion.

Subjects and Methods

Our study population consisted of 275 consecutive patients with chronic total occlusion. One hundred and thirty-eight patients with chronic total occlusion were included in the study. They were classified into 2 groups as follows: impaired CCC (group 1: Rentrop grades 0-1) and good CCC (group 2: Rentrop grades 2-3). The NLR was calculated from the complete blood count.

Results

The NLR values of the patients with impaired CCC (4.5 ± 0.7) were significantly higher than of those with good CCC (2.7 ± 0.6, p < 0.001). In the multivariate logistic regression test, NLR (OR 33.36, 95% CI 8.189-135.7, p < 0.001), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP; OR 2.152, 95% CI 1.226-3.777, p = 0.008), estimated glomerular filtration rate (OR 1.167, 95% CI 1.049-1.298, p = 0.004) and systolic blood pressure (OR 1.068, 95% CI 1.009-1.1310, p = 0.025) were independent predictors of impaired CCC. The NLR value >3.55 yielded an area under the curve value of 0.957 (95% CI 0.921-0.992, p < 0.001) and demonstrated a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 90% for the prediction of CCC. A moderate correlation between NLR and hs-CRP was observed (r = 0.443; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings reveal that NLR correlates with the impaired development of coronary collaterals.Key Words: Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, Coronary collateral circulation, Chronic total occlusion     

Incidental renal artery stenosis among a prospective cohort of hypertensive patients undergoing coronary angiography

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility, safety, and clinical yield of angiographic screening among hypertensive patients undergoing coronary angiography. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was a prospective cohort analysis of hypertensive patients who underwent cardiac catheterization at a tertiary care referral center from July 1998 to March 1999. Abdominal aortography was performed to screen for renal artery stenosis, the percentage of which was measured. RESULTS: The mean +/- SD age of the 297 study patients was 64.9+/-10.2 years; 58.6% were male, and 98.0% were white. Mean +/- SD systolic/diastolic blood pressure was 142.8+/-22.5/79.6+/-11.4 mm Hg. Aortography required a mean incremental dose of 62+/-9 mL of nonionic contrast agent. No complications were attributable to aortography. Of 680 renal arteries, 611 (90%) were visualized adequately. Also, 53% of patients had normal renal arteries, 28% had stenoses less than 50%, and 19.2% had stenoses of 50% or more. Renal artery stenosis was bilateral in 3.7% of patients and high grade (>70% stenosis) in 7%. Patients with renal artery stenosis were more likely to have had a previous coronary intervention. In multivariate analysis, systolic blood pressure (odds ratio [OR], 1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-138; P=.02), history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.27-5.78; P=.01), and cancer (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.02-3.82; P=.04) independently correlated with renal artery stenosis of 50% or more. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of incidental renal artery stenosis among hypertensive patients undergoing coronary catheterization is significant. Therefore, screening abdominal aortography should be considered in these patients to better define their risk of cardiovascular complications.     

Hemoglobin and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide: Independent and synergistic predictors of mortality in patients with acute heart failure Results from the International Collaborative of NT-proBNP (ICON) Study

BACKGROUND: Hemoglobin and amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are both independent predictors of mortality in patients with chronic HF. Their combined predictive power for mortality in the setting of acute HF is uncertain. METHODS: In an international prospective cohort design, we evaluated the relationships between hemoglobin, NT-proBNP, and 60-day mortality in 690 patients with acute HF. RESULTS: The median hemoglobin for the entire cohort was 13.0 g/dL (interquartile range 11.6-14.3). The WHO criterion for anemia was met by 44% (n=305). The 60-day mortality rate for anemic patients was 16.4% vs. 8.8% in non-anemic patients (p<0.001). Anemia was an independent predictor of short-term mortality (OR=1.72, 95% CI=1.05-2.80, p=0.03), as was a NT-proBNP concentration >5180 pg/mL (OR=2.32, 95% CI=1.36-3.94 p=0.002). Consideration of four risk groups: not anemic/low NT-proBNP (reference group, n=220), anemic/low NT-proBNP (n=152), not anemic/high NT-proBNP (n=165), and anemic/high NT-proBNP (n=153) revealed respective 60-day mortality rates of 5.0% (referent), 9.2% (OR=1.93, 95% CI=0.85-4.36; p=0.12), 13.9% (OR=3.07, 95% CI=1.45-6.50, p=0.003), and 23.5% (OR=5.84, 95% CI=2.87-11.89, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Anemia was common in this cohort of subjects with acute HF and was related to adverse short-term outcome. Integrated use of hemoglobin and NT-proBNP measurements provides powerful additive information and is superior to the use of either in isolation.     

Identifying priority patients for coronary angiography

We conducted an open observational study with blinded endpoint evaluation to validate the use of the Duke treadmill score in identifying patients likely to require coronary intervention. We studied 101 consecutive patients referred for coronary angiography from a cardiology clinic. All patients had a Bruce protocol exercise test. A 70% stenosis was regarded as significant. Patients were referred for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, if indicated. The Duke score was calculated as follows: exercise time (min) - (5 x ST segment deviation [mm]) - (4 x angina index [text]). Patients were classified into low, medium and high risk. The patients at high risk are more likely to have a significant stenosis (53/58 vs 30/43: p = 0.01 [OR 4.59 95% CI 1.34-16.6]) and require CABG or PTCA (47/58 vs 16/43: p < 0.001 [OR 7.21 95% CI 2.69-19.8]) than those at medium/low risk. Multiple logistic regression analysis, including ST segment depression, exercise time and symptoms shows that the score independently predicts a significant stenosis (p = 0.002) and the need for coronary intervention (p = 0.001). Introducing the score can help to identify those patients who need priority investigation.     

Screening for nephropathy and antiangiotensin use among diabetic patients in an academic community medical center

The American Diabetes Association recommends routine screening for albuminuria to detect early nephropathy in all patients with diabetes mellitus. If nephropathy is identified, treatment with an antiangiotensin agent decreases progression and improves renal outcomes. Concordance with guidelines for nephropathy screening and antiangiotensin therapy among diabetic patients in a primary care setting of an academic community medical center was evaluated. Medical charts of adult patients with diabetes mellitus from February 2000 through January 2003 were retrospectively reviewed. In part 1 of the study, whether patients were screened for nephropathy at least once was recorded. In part 2 of the study, antiangiotensin prescribing was assessed in all patients and in subgroups stratified by screening. In both parts of the study, patient characteristics and comorbidities were assessed using multivariate analysis to determine their impact on the odds that a patient was screened and that antiangiotensin therapy was prescribed. Among the 329 patients included, 182 patients (55.3%) were screened for nephropathy. Patients who were screened were younger (OR=0.83 for 10-year increase, 95% CI: 0.69-0.99), less likely to have congestive heart failure (OR=0.42, 95% CI: 0.20-0.90), and more likely to be cared for by a resident physician directly supervised by an attending physician (OR=3.03; 95% CI: 1.82-5.03). A total of 215 patients (65.3%) were prescribed antiangiotensin therapy. Hypertension was a predictor of antiangiotensin therapy among all patients who were screened (OR=10.34, 95% CI: 4.45-24.01), those who were screened and negative (OR=15.46, 95% CI: 5.56-42.98), and those who were not screened (OR=10.79, 95% CI: 4.39-26.52). Among patients screened for nephropathy, coronary artery disease (OR=3.01, 95% CI: 1.05-8.63), and the presence of proteinuria (OR=4.26, 95% CI: 1.61-11.24) were predictors of antiangiotensin use. This study found that the likelihood of screening for nephropathy among diabetic patients was inversely associated with a diagnosis of congestive heart failure and increasing age. Conversely, care by a resident physician directly supervised by an attending physician increased the odds that patients would be screened. A diagnosis of hypertension and the presence of albuminuria were each associated with increased use of an antiangiotensin agent.     

Colon diverticula: origin, prevalence, clinical manifestations

AIM: To study prevalence of colon diverticula (CD) and phenotypical features of patients with this anomaly. MATERIAL AND METHODS: At the first stage of the study we analysed colon x-ray evidence for 3 years to assess prevalence of CD. At the second stage we examined 59 patients with CD. Sixty patients with idiopathic constipation and 48 patients with irritable colon syndrome served control. RESULTS: We discovered the following independent factors associated with a high CD risk: history of CD in the relatives of the patients (OR 24.6; 95% CI 5.23-116.23; p = 0.0001) and age of the patient (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.03-1.13; p = 0.0010). Age-dependent CD occurrence, similar anomalies in the relatives, other structural gastrointestinal anomalies in them, hyperaminociduria suggest that CD represent a metabolic involutionary process with hereditary predisposition. CD manifested clinically with abdominal pain and problems with colon passage. Abdominal pain related to defecation occurred with low pain threshold to extension. Abdominal pain risk in CD patients is significantly associated with intestinal infections (OR 4.56; 95% CI 1.09-18.97; chi-square = 4.34; p = 0.0372) and connective tissue dysplasia syndrome (OR 2.21; 95% CI 1.23-3.95; chi-square = 7.08; p = 0.0078). Independent risk factors of constipation in CD are non-morning defecation (OR 8.68; 95% CI 1.55-48.51; chi-square = 6.06; p = 0.0138), connective tissue dysplasia syndrome (OR 1.77; 95% CI 1.0-3.20; chisquare = 3.65; p = 0.0501), sedentary life style (OR 7.42; 94% CI 1.24 - 44.57; chi-square = 4.81; p = 0.0284). CONCLUSION: Incomplete CD reflect colon involution. Abdominal pain associated with defecation has much in common with irritable colon syndrome.     

Identifying Infected Emergency Department Patients Admitted to the Hospital Ward at Risk of Clinical Deterioration and Intensive Care Unit Transfer

Objectives: An important challenge faced by emergency physicians (EPs) is determining which patients should be admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) and which can be safely admitted to a regular ward. Understanding risk factors leading to undertriage would be useful, but these factors are not well characterized. Methods: The authors performed a secondary analysis of two prospective, observational studies of patients admitted to the hospital with clinically suspected infection from an urban university emergency department (ED). Inclusion criteria were as follows: adult ED patient (age 18 years or older), ward admission, and suspected infection. The primary outcome was transfer to an ICU within 48 hours of admission. Using multiple logistic regression, independent predictors of early ICU transfer were identified, and the area under the curve for the model was calculated. Results: Of 5,365 subjects, 93 (1.7%) were transferred to an ICU within 48 hours. Independent predictors of ICU transfer included respiratory compromise (odds ratio [OR] = 2.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.4 to 4.3), congestive heart failure (CHF; OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.4 to 3.6), peripheral vascular disease (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.1 to 3.7), systolic blood pressure (sBP) < 100 mm Hg (OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.2 to 2.9), heart rate > 90 beats/min (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1 to 2.8), and creatinine > 2.0 (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1 to 2.8). Cellulitis was associated with a lower likelihood of ICU transfer (OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.15 to 0.72). The area under the curve for the model was 0.73, showing moderate discriminatory ability. Conclusions: In this preliminary study, independent predictors of ICU transfer within 48 hours of admission were identified. While somewhat intuitive, physicians should consider these factors when determining patient disposition. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:1080–1085 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine     

Does race or socioeconomic status predict adverse outcome after out of hospital cardiac arrest: a multi-center study

Objective: To assess whether socioeconomic status (SES) or race is associated with adverse outcome after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Methods: A convenience sample of OHCA of presumed cardiac origin from seven suburban cities in Michigan, 1991–1996. Median household income (HHI), utilizing patient home address and 1990 census tract data, was dichotomized above and below 1990 state median income. Patient race was dichotomized as black or white. Outcome was defined as survival to hospital discharge (DC). Multiple logistic regression and Pearson’s χ² values were used for analysis. Results: Of 1317 cases with complete data for analysis, the average age was 67.3±16.0, 939 (71.1%) were white, 587 (44.4%) arrests were witnessed (WIT), and 65 (4.9%) were DC alive. There was no significant difference between races with respect to WIT arrests, V_T/V_F arrest rhythms, and a small difference in EMS response interval. Whites were more likely to be above median HHI (57.1 vs. 26.2%, P<0.001). Adjusted odds ratios for predictors of survival were WIT arrest (OR=3.76, 95% CI (1.7, 8.2)), V_T/V_F (OR=8.74, 95% CI (3.7, 10.8), but not race (OR=0.68, 95% CI (0.3, 1.4)) or SES (OR=1.51,95% CI 0.8, 2.8). Conclusion: In this population, neither race nor SES was independently associated with a worse outcome after OHCA.     

Risk factors for treatment failure in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia receiving appropriate antibiotic therapy

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate modifiable risk factors and predictors for treatment failure (TF) in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) receiving appropriate antibiotic therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational cohort study performed in an intensive care unit (ICU) of a University hospital. Eighty-nine patients with VAP were enrolled in the study consecutively. Treatment failure was defined as lack of clinical and microbiological response to therapy within 2 weeks. Potential risk factors for TF, related with patients, microorganisms, and ICU therapies, were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean age was 72 +/- 13 years. Fifty-three of the patients had TF. Patients with TF were older, had more comorbidities, higher admission and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Score (APACHE II)-VAP scores, lower daily carbohydrate intake, and lymphocyte number below 1000/mm(3) than the treatment success group. Transfusions, bacteremia, infection with multidrug-resistant microorganisms, initial bacterial load (CFU/mL), and steroid therapy were similar across the groups. Comorbidity (odds ratio [OR], 4.4; 95% CI, 1.2-16.8; P = .030), VAP-APACHE II scores above 16 (OR, 6.4; 95% CI, 2.1-18.6; P = .001), daily carbohydrate intake below 190 g/d (OR, 3; 95% CI,1.1-8.6; P = .038), lymphocyte number below 1000/mm3 (OR, 4.1; 95% CI, 1.3-12.9; P = .014) were independent predictors for TF. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with comorbidities, who are severely ill and lymphocytopenic at the time of VAP diagnosis, are at high risk for TF.     

No association found between the insertion/deletion of a 287-bp alu repeat sequence within intron 16 of the angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) gene in Mexican patients and binary restenosis after coronary stenting

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that the incidence of coronary restenosis after a percutaneous coronary intervention is much higher in patients with a 287-bp alu repeat sequence within intron 16 of the angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) gene (deletion allele) than in others, but published studies are conflicting. METHODS: The presence (insertion) or absence (deletion) of a 287-bp alu repeat sequence within intron 16 of the ACE gene (I/D polymorphism) was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction in a group of 168 patients with coronary artery disease who underwent coronary artery stenting. Basal and procedure coronary angiographies were analyzed searching for angiographic predictors of restenosis and follow-up angiography was analyzed looking for binary restenosis. RESULTS: Distribution of angiotensin converting enzyme I/D polymorphisms was similar in patients with and without restenosis. Similar results were observed when the analysis was made considering the type of stent implanted. On the other hand, the whole group of coronary artery disease patients showed increased frequencies of the D allele (p=0.00001, OR=2.17, 95% CI=1.49-3.16) and ID genotype (p=0.0002, OR=2.58, 95%CI=1.49-4.47) when compared to healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic variations of the ACE gene could be a genetic factor related to coronary artery disease in the Mexican mixed racial ancestry individuals, but do not support its role as a risk factor for developing restenosis after coronary stenting.     

Critical illness polyneuropathy: risk factors and clinical consequences. A cohort study in septic patients

OBJECTIVE: To determine risk factors and clinical consequences of critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) evaluated by the impact on duration of mechanical ventilation, length of stay and mortality. DESIGN: Inception cohort study. SETTING: Intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital. PATIENTS: Septic patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome requiring mechanical ventilation and without previous history of polyneuropathy. INTERVENTIONS: Patients underwent two scheduled electrophysiologic studies (EPS): on the 10th and 21st days after the onset of mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients were enrolled, although nine of them were not analyzed. Forty-six of the 73 patients presented CIP on the first EPS and 4 other subjects were diagnosed with CIP on the second evaluation. The APACHE II scores of patients with and without CIP were similar on admission and on the day of the first EPS. However, days of mechanical ventilation [32.3 (21.1) versus 18.5 (5.8); p=0.002], length of ICU and hospital stay in patients discharged alive from the ICU as well as in-hospital mortality were greater in patients with CIP (42/50, 84% versus 13/23, 56.5%; p=0.01). After multivariate analysis, independent risk factors were hyperosmolality [odds ratio (OR) 4.8; 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) 1.05-24.38; p=0.046], parenteral nutrition (OR 5.11; 95% CI 1.14-22.88; p=0.02), use of neuromuscular blocking agents (OR 16.32; 95% CI 1.34-199; p=0.0008) and neurologic failure (GCS below 10) (OR 24.02; 95% CI 3.68-156.7; p<0.001), while patients with renal replacement therapy had a lower risk for CIP development (OR 0.02; 95% CI 0.05-0.15; p<0.001). By multivariate analysis, CIP (OR 7.11; 95% CI 1.54-32.75; p<0.007), age over 60 years (OR 9.07; 95% CI 2.02-40.68; p<0.002) and the worst renal SOFA (OR 2.18; 95% CI 1.27-3.74; p<0.002) were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: CIP is associated with increased duration of mechanical ventilation and in-hospital mortality. Hyperosmolality, parenteral nutrition, non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockers and neurologic failure can favor CIP development.     

Acute renal failure after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation

OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency and independent predictors of severe acute renal failure in patients resuscitated from out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest. DESIGN: A cohort study with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. SETTING: Emergency department of a tertiary care 2200-bed university hospital. PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive adult (> 18 years) patients admitted from 1 July 1991 to 31 October 1997 after witnessed ventricular fibrillation out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and successful resuscitation. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Acute renal failure was defined as a 25% decrease of creatinine clearance within 24 h after admission. Out of 187 eligible patients (median age 57 years, 146 male), acute renal failure occurred in 22 patients (12%); in 4 patients (18%) renal replacement therapy was performed. Congestive heart failure (OR 6.0, 95% CI 1.6-21.7; p = 0.007), history of hypertension (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.3-14.7; p = 0.02) and total dose of epinephrine administered (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.2; p = 0.009) were independent predictors of acute renal failure. Duration of cardiac arrest, pre-existing impaired renal function and blood pressure at admission were not independently associated with renal outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Severe progressive acute renal failure after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is rare. Pre-existing haemodynamics seem to be more important for the occurrence of acute renal failure than actual hypoperfusion during resuscitation.     

Prediction of preterm premature rupture of membranes by transvaginal ultrasound features and risk factors in a high-risk population.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the transvaginal ultrasound features and risk factors that predict preterm delivery (PTD) preceded by either preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) or preterm labor (PTL) in a high-risk population. STUDY DESIGN: Singleton gestations at high-risk for preterm delivery were screened prospectively with transvaginal ultrasound between 14 and 24 weeks. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed for historical obstetric risk factors and transvaginal ultrasound features (cervical length (CL) and cervical funneling (CF)) for the prediction of PTD preceded by PPROM or PTL at < 32 and < 35 weeks' gestation, respectively. Indicated preterm deliveries were excluded. RESULTS: Of 321 patients screened, 71 (22%) delivered at < 35 weeks, 40 (56%) after PPROM and 31 (44%) after PTL. Preterm delivery at < 32 weeks was seen in 47 patients (15%), with 20 (43%) occurring after PTL and 27 (57%) after PPROM. Univariate analysis showed the following to be significant predictors of PPROM at < 35 weeks: a past history of PTD between 25 and 30 weeks (P < 0.008), cerclage in the current pregnancy (P < 0.0001), bacterial vaginosis (P < 0.011), CL < 25 mm (P < 0.0001) and CF > 25% (P < 0.0001). The following were found to be significant predictors of PTL at < 35 weeks: black race (P < 0.02), a cerclage in the current pregnancy (P < 0.01), CL < 25 mm (P < 0.001) and CF > 25% (P < 0.0001). The significant predictors of PPROM at < 32 weeks were cerclage in the current pregnancy (P < 0.006) and CL < 25 mm (P < 0.0001); for PTL at < 32 weeks they were a past history of spontaneous miscarriage between 14 and 24 weeks (P < 0.02), black race (P < 0.021), cerclage in the current pregnancy (P < 0.001) and CL < 25 mm (P < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis revealed the significant predictors of PPROM at < 35 weeks to be: a history of PTD between 25 and 30 weeks with odds ratio (OR) 4.8 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.9-11.5) and CL < 25 mm with OR 7.9 (95% CI, 3.6-17.5). The significant predictors of PTL at < 35 weeks on multivariate regression were black race with OR 2.2 (95% CI, 1.0-4.8) and unemployment with OR 1.2 (95% CI, 1.0-1.5). For deliveries < 32 weeks, CL < 25 mm (OR, 10.1; 95% CI, 3.2-32) was the only significant predictor of PPROM. Significant predictors of PTL were unemployment (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1-1.7), a history of spontaneous miscarriage between 14 and 24 weeks (OR, 6.2; 95% CI, 1.4-25), black race (OR, 8.6; 95% CI, 1.5-47) and CL < 25 mm (OR, 4.4; 95% CI, 1-19). The sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of CL < 25 mm for PPROM at < 35 weeks were 73%, 69%, 25% and 95%, respectively; for PTL at < 35 weeks they were 58%, 66%, 15% and 94%; for PPROM at < 32 weeks they were 85%, 68%, 20%, and 98%; for PTL at < 32 weeks they were 70%, 66%, 12% and 97%. CONCLUSION: There are differences in both transvaginal ultrasound findings and risk factors that predict PPROM or PTL. Of the pathways leading to PTD, CL was a more significant predictor of PPROM compared with PTL, while sociodemographic factors were more predictive of PTL.     

ED utilization of computed tomography in a poisoned population

The objective of this prospective, analytic study was to identify predictors and describe the demographic and clinical correlates of head computed tomography (CT) evaluation in patients with poisoning or drug overdose and altered mental status. Forty-three patients that were evaluated by head CT and 109 that were not evaluated by head CT were entered into the study at a poison control center. None of the 43 scanned patients had any acute findings on head CT. A logistic regression model yielded 4 predictors that were statistically associated with the ordering of a head CT scan: Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) < or = 8 (odds ratio [OR]: 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-5.7); age > or = 41 years (OR 5.3; 95% CI 2.2-13); use of drugs or abuse by history (OR 2.8; 95% CI 1.04-7.6); and witnessed seizure activity (OR 4.8; 95% CI 1.3-17.9). We also tested 2 additional models to identify predictors of hospital admission, 1 with and 1 without CT scan included as a covariate. In the first model, only GCS 相似文献